Estill County Schools & Education
Estill County, Kentucky
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
37/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 93.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,547
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,894
School Score
37/100
Higher = better
State avg 57/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#112
of 120 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Estill County
School Verdict
Despite a lower school score of 37/100, Estill County maintains a strong graduation rate of 92.0%, suggesting effective student support systems.
Funding Context
At $5,547 per pupil, Estill County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Estill County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 36% below the Kentucky average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 1.8 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 20% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Estill County, Kentucky
A Small-Scale Rural School System
Estill County supports a focused infrastructure of 7 public schools serving 2,202 total students. The network includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools, all managed by a single local district. This compact system maintains an intimate educational environment with an average of 367 students per school.
Graduation Rates Outpace the National Average
The county reports a strong 92.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $5,547 sits below the state average of $6,894, the district maintains a school score of 51.4. This indicates steady performance relative to the national median despite tighter financial resources.
One District Leading the Way
The Estill County school district manages all 2,202 students across its six primary facilities. There are currently no charter schools in operation, representing 0% of the local educational landscape. This unified district model ensures consistent curriculum and resource allocation across the entire county.
A Blend of Rural and Town Settings
Education here happens in a mix of four rural and three town-based schools, offering a classic community feel. Estill County High School is the largest campus with 644 students, providing a contrast to the South Irvine Early Learning Center which serves just 166 children. Most students attend schools like West Irvine Elementary, which houses roughly 468 students in a primary setting.
Finding a Home in Estill County
Families looking for a tight-knit community often prioritize Estill County for its high graduation rates and manageable school sizes. As you research local real estate, consider how proximity to top-performing elementary schools can impact long-term home value. The area offers a quiet, rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic results.
School Overview
Total Schools
7
in Estill County
Total Enrollment
2,202
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Estill County
Estill County
7 Public Schools in Estill County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estill County High School | Estill County | 9–12 | High | 644 |
| West Irvine Elementary | Estill County | KG–5 | Primary | 468 |
| Estill Springs Elementary | Estill County | KG–5 | Primary | 465 |
| Estill County Middle School | Estill County | 6–8 | Middle | 446 |
| South Irvine Early Learning Center | Estill County | PK | Other | 166 |
| Estill County Success Academy | Estill County | 6–12 | Alternative | 13 |
| Estill County Area Technology Center | Kentucky Tech System | 9–12 | Vocational | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,547
State avg $6,894
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Estill County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Estill County?
How much does Estill County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Estill County, Kentucky — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Estill County, Kentucky?
Estill County supports a focused infrastructure of 7 public schools serving 2,202 total students. The network includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools, all managed by a single local district. This compact system maintains an intimate educational environment with an average of 367 students per school.
How do schools in Estill County perform academically?
The county reports a strong 92.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $5,547 sits below the state average of $6,894, the district maintains a school score of 51.4. This indicates steady performance relative to the national median despite tighter financial resources.
What are the major school districts in Estill County, Kentucky?
The Estill County school district manages all 2,202 students across its six primary facilities. There are currently no charter schools in operation, representing 0% of the local educational landscape. This unified district model ensures consistent curriculum and resource allocation across the entire county.
What is the school experience like in Estill County?
Education here happens in a mix of four rural and three town-based schools, offering a classic community feel. Estill County High School is the largest campus with 644 students, providing a contrast to the South Irvine Early Learning Center which serves just 166 children. Most students attend schools like West Irvine Elementary, which houses roughly 468 students in a primary setting.
How can I find homes near good schools in Estill County, Kentucky?
Families looking for a tight-knit community often prioritize Estill County for its high graduation rates and manageable school sizes. As you research local real estate, consider how proximity to top-performing elementary schools can impact long-term home value. The area offers a quiet, rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic results.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.